Effect of unilateral hind limb vibration on blood rheology in rabbits

The right hind limb of twelve rabbits was vibrated for 15 min. Blood samples were taken before vibration from the right hind limb and after vibration from both the vibrated and the non-vibrated hind limbs. A control series was also run. Estimations were made of: haematocrit, whole-blood viscosity, erythrocyte xi potential and plasma fibrinogen concentration. There was no significant change in whole-blood viscosity in either limb after vibration. Erythrocyte xi potential was significantly increased (in both limbs) after vibration. Fibrinogen concentration did not change (in either limb) after vibration. Yield stress was significantly reduced (in both limbs) after vibration. High Shear Casson Law slope decreased in the vibrated limb after vibration.